From Castles to Chaos: The Journey Home

As we had an early morning flight back to England, we were out of our hotel around 5:30 AM. The roads were dark and devoid of any life. We strolled quietly and quickly with just my flashlight guiding the path forward.

Fortunately we only encountered a few curious individuals on our journey and were soon again speeding down the tracks, heading back to the heart of France. Fortunately for us, our train led directly to the airport and we ascended the many steps up from the platform. As Austin strolled through the electronic gate, Matt and I were held back as the gate did not seem to like our tickets. Matt and I (along with 2 girls) had to stand by and wait as our tickets proceeded to fail at every gate/counter we tried. Fortunately Austin was able to alert an attendant and she was able to manually override the counter and we were now in the airport. Some last minute souvenir shopping later, we were quickly through security and waiting on our departing flight. It was a rather somber time as we would be leaving France behind but it wasn’t long before we were boarded and soaring over the English channel.

We touched down in England and without hesitation, rushed through the airport to the attached train station below. Rain began to fall upon us as we stood on the platform waiting for our train.

Several long moments later, our ride had arrived and we again were soon speeding down the rails to our last true destination of the trip. England will forever hold a special place in my heart for being the backdrop of our first trip and I relished the chance at catching more glimpses of the English countryside out my small train window. An hour later, we soon arrived in the small storybook town of Arundel.

I had discovered this hamlet in my research just a few weeks prior and other than a large castle, I had little idea what this place would have in store. Slipping off the train into the misty and grey afternoon, we set off down a small trail towards the city center. Rounding a few corners, a massive stone castle began to loom in the distance, almost acting as a beacon.

When we finally crossed into the city limits, our senses were bombarded with an array of sights and sounds. Unbeknownst to us, a local festival was in full swing and we were sprung into the middle of it. Soaked and cloaked costumed individuals and sweet music filled our surroundings and we were simply stunned at the sheer coincidence of it all.

Though we could have stood in this spot for an eternity, our stomachs pushed us onwards and we found ourselves in a nearby pub (The Red Lion). Nestled up against a window, we all ordered the special of a chicken and leek pie and scarfed down our meals. Looking back, I truly think it was one of the most delicious things I have ever had. It sure is hard to beat a steaming hot meat pie on a cold and wet English day.

Now with full bellies and high spirits (possibly due to the beer), we left our charming pub behind and found ourselves back under the cold rain. Fortunately our walk to the castle was a pleasant one as we were again within the confines of the festival and were able to peruse through classic cars on display.

A short jaunt (and ticket purchase) later, we were now on the castle’s grounds. Another pleasant surprise awaited us as the festival from outside made its way into the kingdom’s keep and countless tents were set up upon the lawn.

The event had seemingly transformed into a renaissance festival and we were firmly in the midst of armored knights and delicate ladies. Canvas tents of armorers, swordsmiths, falconers, and leather workers seemed to fill the vast space before us.

Though constantly bombarded by the cold rain, we were transported back in time and enjoyed the setting before us. When I had circled Arundel on the map before the trip, I had zero idea that this festival would be happening. It is these things, the ones that are unplanned and unexpected, that make everything so enjoyable. I am sure I would have enjoyed Arundel without this local festival, yet with its inclusion, it made it one of the best days of my life.

Wishing to put the rain behind us, if even for a moment, we ventured up the hill to the heart of the castle.

We were soon racing through ornate elaborate rooms of the local noble. We eventually found out that the duke still lives on site (occasionally) and some rooms were blocked off. It was a strange feeling once we realized we were perusing through someone’s home and belongings and yet another thought began to surface. Should one person live in such luxury and continue to reap the rewards of it (as we had bought tickets to go through the castle).

Once we had seen all that the castle had to offer, we again found ourselves outside in the cold misty air. A short walk later, we were in a small local brewery (Fauna Brewing & Taproom) that I had noticed in my planning. It was a great relaxed atmosphere and we enjoyed a few drinks trying to soak up the moment. Matt enjoyed it so much he later went up and purchased a glass to bring home.

Some drinks later, we set back off into the cobbled streets, this time greeted with some distant traces of sunshine. We meandered our way through the crowded streets and found ourselves in another pub (White Hotel).

Few drinks later, our time in Arundel had unfortunately come to a close and we were quickly back on a train racing back to Horley. We arrived in Horley late into the afternoon (7 PM) and before long, we found ourselves in our lodgings.

Our food options were rather limited and we instead decided to have dinner in the hotel lobby as it boasted some fine Indian cuisine. Once our meal had concluded, we ventured back up to our room and officially ended our last true day on foreign soil.

8/25/24

The morning came all too quickly and after taking the dilapidated hotel bus to the airport, we found ourselves in a long twisting line to check in for our flight. Much time later, we approached the counter to discover that some mistake had been made on our reservations (possibly from the huge cancellation at the start of the trip) and we were not included on the original flight. We were then booked on another flight to Orlando and another long flight later, found ourselves in Florida. Rushing to the American Airlines counter, they again had no notice of us and put us on standby for several flights. Multiple flights and rushes through TSA later, we were still in the airport without any hope. We were then informed that we were placed on a flight for the following day and would have to stay in Orlando overnight. Without so much as a single travel credit, we had to book a new hotel on our own dime. After a strenuous wait for the hotel shuttle (and countless phone calls later), we found ourselves in our hotel and quickly collapsed on the beds, ready to put this incredibly tiring and stressful day behind us.

8/26/24

Finally waking up on American soil, we ventured down into the hotel for the included breakfast. Our bad luck continued as the only thing provided was prepackaged fruit and pop-tarts. Fortunately a McDonald's was just a few minutes walk away and we set off into the hot Florida sun for a typical American breakfast. Finally satisfied, we set back off to the hotel and grabbed the shuttle, again finding ourselves in the dreaded Orlando airport. Fortunately things went smoothly and we were on a plane headed to Dallas, before grabbing another flight to Springfield, officially ending our trip.

All things said, it was a kind of wild trip. It was my first trip with someone other than Austin, and even though we had some tense moments, it was nice having another person to watch our backs. Though a piece of the previous trips were gone, the special connection between Austin and I; Matt was a nice addition and I look forward to trips with him in the future. We went through 4 countries (5 if including our brief unplanned stop in Italy) and it all went rather smoothly. With so many moving parts (and cancellations), it is almost a miracle that everything went as well as it did. I truly live my life for these trips and this one was another testament to it all.

To see the previous day’s adventure, click here.